[jcmanson]

In general, turnover in coaches means more turnover in players.

I agree. We'll see how much continuity Layer brings to the program. He's not off to a great start.

[Chippy]

VCU has stability because they have a "program" that is a consistent winner. We have no history of consistency. Until we start stringing together winning seasons and BSC champioships we will be in continual flux. Liberty by its nature is a hard draw for some quality HS kids but being a middle of the pack BSC team makes us a less attractive option. That's just reality. Look at CCU in baseball and maybe even basketball. Our football team is drawing better athletes because of our consistency as is the girl's basketball team. Let's hope next year we can add to the success, as it was, we had this year. IMHO

[jcmanson]

As far as the Kentucky reference, I'm just stating we can't bring in 5+ new guys every year as major contributors and expect to compete, much less win, championships.

[jcmanson]

VCU has stability because they have a "program" that is a consistent winner. We have no history of consistency. Until we start stringing together winning seasons and BSC champioships we will be in continual flux.

Exactly. What I'm saying is, we won't build a consistent winner until we have some sort of continuity year in year out. It's like the chicken and the egg - which came first? In my mind continuity of a program comes before consistent winning.

[Sly Fox]

For the record, we did OK 2 of the last 3 seasons as far as winning despite massive turnover. We are inching in the right direction. Frankly I would be surprised if we don't start to speed up the development this season.

As for Kentucky comparisons, I am not sure how we measure up to a school that loads up on McD AAs who are one-&-doners every year. VCU is a more appropriate comparison but even that is a stretch.

[olldflame]

As far as the Kentucky reference, I'm just stating we can't bring in 5+ new guys every year as major contributors and expect to compete, much less win, championships.

Even in 09 we didn't lose 5 contributors. It was Curry, Smith and Floyd. Then it was Konan and Perez last year. If we lose only Gordon this year, I would say we have pretty much stabilized. I would be willing to bet that D1 programs these days average at least one transfer a year.

[olldflame]

In general, turnover in coaches means more turnover in players.

I agree. We'll see how much continuity Layer brings to the program. He's not off to a great start.

I would say so-so. In 2 years, so far we have had 3 contributors decide to transfer; Konan, Perez and now Gordon. Stephene was not going to have his schollie renewed anyway, and Weaver may have had the option of staying as a popular bench-warmer, but realistically was a non-factor in future plans.

[jcmanson]

In general, turnover in coaches means more turnover in players.

I agree. We'll see how much continuity Layer brings to the program. He's not off to a great start.

I would say so-so. In 2 years, so far we have had 3 contributors decide to transfer; Konan, Perez and now Gordon. Stephene was not going to have his schollie renewed anyway, and Weaver may have had the option of staying as a popular bench-warmer, but realistically was a non-factor in future plans.

I'm fine with 1 or 2 defections a year that are on the level of Stephene, Weaver, etc. That happens everywhere. What needs to stop is losing those contributors. Anybody at our level needs to keep all major contributors their entire careers.

[jcmanson]

As for Kentucky comparisons, I am not sure how we measure up to a school that loads up on McD AAs who are one-&-doners every year. VCU is a more appropriate comparison but even that is a stretch.

Compare us to Winthrop. During their great run the last decade one main thing has been continuity.

[jcmanson]

And based on "TheRealScoop's" posts it seems as though Gordon didn't want to play Robin to Jesse's Batman. How'd that work out for David Dees?!

[ballah09]

I don't have good sources like some of yall but someone told me JB, Asaad and Burrus are leaving

I don't know if this is true

[jcmanson]

I'm not sure what's going on with JB, but something is up.

[Sly Fox]

If in fact JB is leaving, it is likely to sign a Euro contract. Because after two transfers already his clock is ticking down. The rest make a tad more sense. Then again, this is all pure speculation outside of Evan.

[olldflame]

JB has been a bit of a vagabond, but transferring would be a strange choice, even for him. He'd have to sit a year and then he could play one. He's good enough to play at a higher level, but I don't see any power conference programs tieing up a scholarship for 2 years to have him for one, and it would be a questionable move for another mid-major. Europe would make more sense. Asaad is gone. No problem. Antwan did not appear to be a happy camper this year. He needs to play the 4, and JB was just better, so he was stuck competing with JVP for minutes in the post.

[jcmanson]

JB only has one year of eligibility remaining and he's already used his redshirt year.

[olldflame]

JB only has one year of eligibility remaining and he's already used his redshirt year.

When did he redshirt? At the Citadel? If so, his only options would be D2/NAIA (unlikely) or some sort of pro ball.

[ballah09]

If he has a degree I don't believe he would have to sit out a year. I think same would go with Carter and Jesse

[ALAFlamesFan]

JB has been a bit of a vagabond, but transferring would be a strange choice, even for him. He'd have to sit a year and then he could play one. He's good enough to play at a higher level, but I don't see any power conference programs tieing up a scholarship for 2 years to have him for one, and it would be a questionable move for another mid-major. Europe would make more sense. Asaad is gone. No problem. Antwan did not appear to be a happy camper this year. He needs to play the 4, and JB was just better, so he was stuck competing with JVP for minutes in the post.

Agree. With those coming in/getting healthy Burrus was/is going to have a hard time seeing significant minutes at the 4 or 5. Asaad was a one year guy anyway. JB would be interesting. He is a good player and has a heck of a motor. I would love to keep him but if we are getting Baird back plus a couple of 6'8/6'9" recruits I can't think we would be that bad off at the 4 imo.

[Schfourteenteen]

4 weeks of undergrad left!!!!

[olldflame]

Is JB on schedule to graduate? It would definately be true for Carter, and that's fine. Jesse? If Jesse does anything but finish his career at LU next year, they need to have him pee in a cup to find out what he is taking.

[ballah09]

Liberty Basketball

[jcmanson]

Yes JB is on schedule to graduate this May

[olldflame]

Hey, if he has his degree and wants to play pro ball I say God bless him. If he decides to transfer and play a year as a grad student elsewhere, I would be interested to know if there were actual academic reasons (seeking a degree we don't offer) or if he just wanted out. I will add this. If JB goes, so much for the theory about recruiting a bunch of JUCO guys because they can't leave.

[BJWilliams]

If that ends up being true, we have some serious, serious issues to deal with. I don't want to go off the deep end over something that hasn't happened yet, but I feel like if it does the donors will be owed a legitimate explanation of what the heck is going on with this program.

You do have to wonder because I know we have had quite a few changes at the top in the last five years or so but now that we are (I would guess) settled in that area what would have to be going on for this sort of thing (if true) to be happening again

[Rooster Cogburn]

If we are going to judge this based on the current situation, then let's not lump old issues (curry, Jenkins, Dees, etc.) onto Layer's head.